Brite Winter Festival 2020

Another year, another Brite Winter Festival is in the books.  Once again on the West Bank of the Flats.  We had great weather and it was a really fun time, but as you’d expect with any long-running festival, they are slowly implementing changes.  This year we saw required ticketing, which isn’t that big of a deal.  However, the footprint of the festival was smaller this year, not including the dance floor at Mulberrys.  That space was reserved for an official after party with its own ticket price ($25!).

Being a free festival - I really can’t complain.  I did contribute $10 to get the koozie and pin (I already have too many hats).  While we didn’t hit the after party this year, looking at videos posted of it, I really should have.  Will plan accordingly next year!

As usual (for me), this festival is more about the camaraderie with friends than it is about seeing specific artists.  Some shots from the night. 

Hessler Street Fair (6/2/19)

Hessler Street Fair celebrated it’s 50th year!!!  The bad news is, it may also be its last.  Sure they say “hiatus” but with the Barking Spider gone, I can’t help but be skeptical.  However, when I arrived on Sunday evening, the weather could - not - have - been - nicer.  It was a celebratory crowd and had some good eats and tunes.  It’s been a good run Hessler Street Fair!!

Oh, and speaking of the Barking Spider Tavern, this was also my first stop by the new Dave’s Cosmic Subs.  It’s hard not to be heartbroken.  They were in between bands when I stopped by, so I’ll have to try again when there’s some music playing.

Lucy Wainwright Roche (9/2/18)

Lucy Wainwright Roche continues to cement herself as one of my favorite singer-songwriters.  It’s not hard to believe coming from music royalty, but she has a sound, style and presence that is all her own.  Last night she swung through Oberlin (her alma mater) to give a free show at Finney Chapel.  It was a great evening in Oberlin, bouncing around the charming town before the show began. When she took the (very warm) stage, she charmed us with her songwriting and conversation, as usual.  Her cover songs are always perfectly selected as well.  Check several of them out in the video below!

She even brought out the puppy for the “encore!” 

Tri-C Jazz Fest (6/30/18)

After a beautiful night seeing Ray LaMontagne & Neko Case at Nautica, we stumbled upon Tri-C’s Jazz Fest in Playhouse Square!  I always have plans to go every year, but seeing this will make it a priority next year!

Larchmere Porchfest 2018

I’m finding myself taking fewer photos at festivals like this, particularly because it’s better to just be in the moment.  There were plenty of moments to be "in" during this most recent Larchmere Porchfest. Discovering new bands and running into old friends is the best.  If you can do it all while hanging with your dog - bonus.

After Porchfest ended, there were several after parties scattered around the area. We ended up stopping into the Academy Tavern and were treated to the perfect table to watch an amazing show being put on by Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers.  Superb.

Brite Winter Festival - TONIGHT!

Tonight!!  Here’s my schedule:  http://britewinter2015.sched.org/rogerzender

"Bundle up, hold a beer in your mitten and it’s really not so bad. Brite Winter is dedicated to embracing the winter season with 60 bands and a strong focus on local music. The fest will take place on eight stages throughout Ohio City, two of which are outdoors, and also feature outdoor art installations.   Headliners include Chicago-based Maps & Atlases, Baltimore’s Sun Club and Cleveland’s Welshy Arms. The diverse lineup also includes acoustic lyricism by Philadelphia’s Roses (new project by Matt Scheuermann of American War), dancable Cleveland pop band Sammy Slims, hip hop acts Muamin Collective and Archie Green, indie rock band The Modern Electric, garage rock band Banging Fragiles, and Uno Lady, known for her beautiful and eccentric vocal loops."

(Via. brite winter is bigger & brighter than ever with 60-band lineup)

Tomorrow: Gardens & Villa @ Beachland Tavern

Gardens & Villa will be at the Beachland Tavern tomorrow night!! $12. This should be an amazing show!  Check them out below.  Also, sign up on their mailing list to get their Televisor EP for free!

 

Opening is Alex G. (below) and Summerays.

Free De Lux EP!

Here’s a fun little EP to jam to - and it’s totally free!

LA's De Lux Announces Debut EP for Scion AV, Download Now

"De Lux presents a new five-song EP on Scion AV that is now available as a free download. Combining post-disco and post-punk, this young Los Angeles duo have come together to make some excellent some clanging/banging jams on their debut. Sean Guerin and Isaac Franco play all the instruments in the groove-heavy band, creating an auspicious sound that looks forward even as it makes the most of the past.

This EP is De Lux’s debut release and in early 2014 they will put out their first full-length on the mighty Innovative Leisure label. Physical copies of the EP will be available on CD and vinyl on December 10, but for now you can bump it in digital form. Consider this is a preview of the great things that are sure to come."

(Continued... LA's De Lux Announces Debut EP for Scion AV, Download Now)

Free Albums! Brett Detar & Matthew Mayfield

I just got my new NoiseTrade email in my inbox and there’s some amazing free stuff there you should check out…  Remember I just saw Brett Detar at the Beachland.  Here’s his album for free:

You can also download *everything* by Matthew Mayfield.  I’ve been enjoying his latest album, but unfortunately missed him this past Sept. at Beachland.  I will be grabbing this.

Larchmere Porchfest 2013

Finally, after like 4 years.  The festival was totally worth it.  Bring a bike and ride around.  I'm so glad it's not the same weekend as Cleveland Pride anymore.  Hats off to Dan Miraldi performing a great set - I will check him out again.

New Find: ODESZA

 Some great new pop/electronic music from Odeza, with some sweet videos and a FREE ALBUM DOWNLOAD!  Say I told you so.

New & Free Lucy Wainwright Roche!

It's a Lucy Wainwright Roche Bonanza!  I'd been sitting on this free Sampler download for a couple days, but just found out she's releasing a new album - and has some great pre-order options!  Here's what she says:

Big News!

I hope you're having a wonderful tail end of summer!  I wanted to write with some exciting news - this summer I made a new album!   I recorded in Nashville with my excellent friend Jordan Brooke Hamlin and we put our heads together to make this record and get it done in time for the fall.   The album won't be officially released until early 2013 BUT you can get it much earlier if you pre-order the record now.  

Why Pre-Order?

Pre-ordering this record helps me to pay for the cost of mixing, mastering and printing the album.  Basically, pre-ordering makes it possible for me to get this music out into the world.  So..., if you are a fan and would like to get your hands on a copy of this new album, please pre-order!  Pre-order for yourself!  Pre-order as gifts!  (you will get your orders by November- before the holiday season!)

here is the link to pre-order http://lucywainwrightroche.bigcartel.com/

And here's the free download:

Tomorrow: Ezra Furman @ Beachland Tavern

omg.  This is definitely my show of the month.  I've seen Ezra Furmantwicenow at the Beachland Tavern and I couldn't be more excited for this one ($10).  His new album, The Year of No Returning, is his best effort yet - and I think Music. Defined. would agree.  Check it out below.

New Record Store / Performance Space in CLE

Very cool…  Congrats Cellar Door!  Wish I were going to be around for the Launch Party on Friday, esp. with the likes of The Modern Electric, Light & the Whaler and Brian Straw.

cellar door launches cleveland only record store, performance space

The grassroots, pro-Cleveland music collective Cellar Door is launching a new performance space, Cleveland-only record store and office space in the Loftworks building at East 40th and Superior.

The creative space, which features antique wood floors, high ceilings and large windows, is intended to not only foster a 'community among listeners' among local music fans, but also to reach people who are unaware of Cleveland's distinctive music scene."

(Continued... cellar door launches cleveland only record store, performance space)

Cleveland Pride 2012

I hesitated posting anything about Pride on this blog, mostly because it wasn't about music for me - which is really kinda sad.  They had bands - but there was very little publicity, there was NO SET TIMES for any of the musicians - so you had no idea when someone you wanted to see would be coming on.  I found that incredibly annoying and disrespectful to the artists performing.

But since I technically was there, and technically there was music playing - I'm keeping with my persona promise to document all live shows I attend.  So here are some photos:

Caveman (1/15/12)

Caveman was another last-minute discovery, and another show at the Happy Dog.  Though I was hoping that the sunnier, pop/electronic aesthetic would play better at the Happy Dog.  It did, but I have to admit that since that show, I like these guys even more - and now I'm even MORE excited for their return at the Beachland Tavern (Wednesday, March 21st).  Check out some photos - and then a clip from my favorite song of theirs, Thankful.

Now download a copy of it for yourself for free.

New Plants & Animals / Free Download

I feel like with every Plants & Animals release, I like them exponentially more.  This new single "Lightshow" for The End of That (out 2/28/12) keeps that trajectory.  Listen and download it here:

Free Small Black Mixtape: Moon Killer

Having been a fan of Small Black for a while now, I'm excited to see them sharing a mix tape - especially for free.  Check it out:

MOON KILLER MIXTAPE by Small Black

Free Music: Heartless Bastards @ Laundromatinee

Another reason I love Heartless Bastards... Don't forget, LaundroMatinee.com always offer free MP3 downloads of these sessions...

Free Catie Curtis Song / New Album

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know I have several artists that I will always stick with, and will get buy everything they put out.  Catie Curtis is one of those people, and she's just released a free MP3 from her upcoming album Stretch Limousine on Fire (8/30) to celebrate marriage equality in NY.  Get it here. Album Details:

When the singer/songwriter movement boomed in the mid-90s, Catie Curtis was at its forefront. Now a veteran artist with a 15 year career, Curtis has recorded ten critically acclaimed solo albums and has had songs featured in numerous TV shows including Dawson’s Creek, Felicity,Grey’s Anatomy and Alias, as well as in films such as 500 Miles to Graceland and A Slipping Down Life.

Curtis’ new CD, STRETCH LIMOUSINE ON FIRE, is a bold statement of beauty yet simultaneously grittier—a bit more raw—than her past work. Produced by Lorne Entress (Lori McKenna, Ronnie Earl, Mark Erelli, Mighty Sam McLain) and recorded and mixed primarily in Los Angeles by noted engineer Ryan Freeland (Ray LaMontangue, Ingrid Michaelson, The Weepies), the album features guest vocalists Lisa Loeb and Mary Chapin Carpenter along with musicians Jay Bellerose (Drums), Jennifer Condos and Jesse Williams (Bass), Thomas Juliano (electric guitar),Duke Levine (Lap Steel and guitar), David Limina (Organ) and Glenn Patscha and Julie Wolf(keyboards). Standout tracks include the title cut, “Shadowbird”, “Highway del Sol” and “River Wide”. Matthew Curry, a Grammy nominated artist/designer best known for his work with Thievery Corporation, illustrated the cover and designed the CD artwork.

I have to say I barely recognize her in this picture (and don't really like it), but maybe she's trying a little reinvention or something.  Whatever, we go too far back for me to care.